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Knicks' Smith fined $50K for untying opponents' shoelaces

NEW YORK — The NBA has fined Knicks guard J.R. Smith $50,000 for “recurring instances of unsportsmanlike conduct” after he tried to untie an opponent's sneaker a second time.

Smith untied Mavericks forward Shawn Marion's shoe during a free throw attempt at Dallas on Sunday and was warned not to repeat the act by the league office.

Coach Mike Woodson had said before Tuesday's home game against Detroit that Smith shouldn't be doing things like that, but the reserve guard then tried it again on Greg Monroe during a free throw attempt — with league disciplinarian Rod Thorn in attendance.

ODESSA, Texas (AP) — A West Texas man has been charged with impersonating an officer by using sirens and flashing lights to skip to the head of the drive-thru line at a fast-food restaurant. Full Story

Sufjan Stevens, "Carrie & Lowell" (Asthmatic Kitty) Plucked strings and pulsing keyboards dominate the distinctive arrangements on Sufjan Stevens' latest album, and in the absence of a rhythm section, they serve to keep time. Full Story